By Jasreet Kaur15, Jan 2025 08:00 AMjagranjosh.com
Do you know?
Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar in milk. It happens due to low levels of lactase causing stomach discomfort after eating dairy. Tap to read in detail.
Definition
It is when your body cannot digest lactose properly. This happens because you don’t have enough lactase, the enzyme that helps break it down.
Causes
Lactose intolerance can be caused by genetics, aging, or stomach problems. It means your body doesn’t make enough lactase to digest dairy foods.
Symptoms
Common symptoms are stomach pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These happen after eating foods like milk, cheese, or ice cream.
Prevalence
It is very common, especially in people from Asia, Africa, or the Mediterranean. About 65% of people in the world have it.
Diagnosis
Always go to the doctor. Doctors can test for lactose intolerance with a breath test or by checking how your body reacts when you stop eating dairy.
Management
You can manage it by avoiding dairy, using lactose-free milk or taking lactase pills. These help your body digest lactose better.